Constitution Day 2017 (September 17, 2017)

The Pocket Guide to the Constitution of the United States is an easy-to-use reference tool containing the full text of the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, summaries of landmark Supreme Court rulings on constitutional issues, and answers to frequently asked questions about the Constitution.

Message from the ABA President

This handout contains a selection of constitution preambles from different countries. Exploring constitutions from around the world is a great way to teach about constitutions and their role in governance and societies.

For additional handouts and instructions, visit this Insights on Law & Society Learning Gateway to access a comprehensive lesson plan on constitutional preambles, as well as other lesson plans related to constitution-making.

The ABA Division for Public Education encourages judges to open court on September 17, Constitution Day, with a public statement from the bench on the significance of this crucial document. This model statementwas developed by Maryland Judiciary Public Awareness Committee for use by the Maryland judiciary. It is readably adaptable to the needs of any state or federal judiciary.

Students Share Thoughts on the Constitution

In 2012, we took our cameras to Kenwood Academy in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood and asked students to discuss their views on the U.S. Constitution. See what they had to say!

Pocket Constitution

About Constitution Day

On Sept. 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the U.S. Constitution, a written charter for a new federal government. The delegates convened in Philadelphia to develop a framework that would provide balance and freedom, taking into account federal and state interests, as well as individual human rights. Once signed, the Constitution required ratification from at least nine of the 13 states to take effect. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, and the Constitution became the law of the land.

In 2005 Congress designated September 17 as a day "to hold educational programs for students" on the Constitution. Authorizing legislation states that all educational institutions and federal agencies receiving federal funds will hold educational programs about the Constitution on September 17-Constitution Day. Constitution Day is a day for ALL Americans to commemorate the Constitution.